Why Bother with Historicals?

 We’ve all been there—sitting through a history class as a kid, being totally bored out of your mind. It’s enough to turn anyone off on history, right? Perhaps, but I am here today to argue FOR historicals, especially historical romance novels.

 

Okay. Why bother? There are a few reasons that I love them. The biggest reason is the heroes. Oh, yes. You must have a hero come riding in on a sleek, powerful stallion to sweep the heroine off her feet. Every young girl who has ever read a fairy tale has that image in her head. It’s even better if your hero is in uniform! Where is the best place to find a man in uniform? It has to be the military. Everyone who has seen the 1973 movie, The Way We Were, knows about that scene with Robert Redford in his white dress uniform while Barbara Streisand swoons over him. With that in mind, I decided the best place for me to find men in uniform and horses was the Civil War time period.

 

However, there was something I wanted to avoid. So many of the older historical romances portrayed women as weak and in need of rescue by the big, strong man. I wanted to stay away from that particular stereotype. History has shown us that women were just as strong and capable back then as they are today. Those are the women in my stories. Charlotte “Charlie” Garrett in SECRETS AND SACRIFICES joins the Confederate army and fights for what she believes in. Jenny Winston in JENNY’S PASSION is willing to go to great lengths for the man she loves, and Lila Montgomery in LILA’S VOW, takes up a dangerous life as a spy to exact her brand of revenge. Are there real life examples of strong women in the past? You betcha. Women like Clara Barton who established the Red Cross after her work in the hospitals of the Civil War, and Sacajawea, the Indian lady who traveled with Lewis and Clark, are just two examples. There are many more.

 

My final reason for loving historical romances—the history itself. I love to learn new things, particularly if I can be entertained along the way. When I find a historical romance that teaches me something and gives me the passion and romance of a bygone era, I am sold! Since I began writing historicals, I have found that I am not alone. One reader of mine took her family to visit Fort Delaware on Pea Patch island after reading my book, SECRETS AND SACRIFICES, where my hero, Captain Daniel Reid was imprisoned. Another reader, a college student, began soaking up everything she could find in her college library on the Civil War after reading JENNY’S PASSION.

 

I ask you, what better reason for reading and writing historical romance could you have?

 

Thanks to Vinspire publishing for having me today. I leave you with an excerpt of LILA’S VOW.

 

Excerpt from LILA’S VOW by Diane Wylie

 

“Get away from the window, girl!”

Another loud boom rattled the windows. Lila turned with a barely suppressed shiver of fear. She clenched her teeth. The filthy Rebel crouching under the other sitting room window waved his pistol at her. She moved away.

The soldier had a long, scraggly, dark beard, and his hair hung out in greasy strings under a tattered slouch hat. He scowled at Lila, revealing broken and blackened teeth.

“Where’s yo’ Mama wi’ that food ah needs?”

Beatrice Sutton came in then, carrying a tray of fried chicken and biscuits. She placed it on the floor in front of the soldier where he crouched out of sight. Lila watched him grab up the chicken and begin stuffing it in his mouth as fast as he could, eating as if he were starving…which he probably was. All of the Confederate soldiers she had seen so far had the same gaunt, ragged look about them this one had.

“Look what I got, Luke!” Through the door from Lila’s bedroom came another soldier, just as unkempt as the first one. In his hand was a coffee tin, which he upended, spilling some of its contents onto his palm.

“You can’t have that! That is all the money I have saved for two years!” She lurched toward him.

Mama grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “Shhh, honey,” she said.

“Yeah, honey,” the soldier sneered, “y’all cain’t have dis now. It’s mine!” He started shoving the gold coins into his pockets.

Luke got up and grabbed at the tin, a chicken leg hanging from his mouth. “Gimme some of that!”

“Sure, give me some o’ that food,” the soldier with her money said.

Tears pricked Lila’s eyes. For two years she had saved her earnings from her job as schoolteacher. She had been saving the money to buy a spinet piano of her own and figured in another two years she would have enough. Since Papa died, she had been forced to spend more of her earnings to keep body and soul together. Mama earned money with her sewing, and between them both they had been doing just fine. Now her money was going to be stolen from her!

The two soldiers greedily counted the coins as they simultaneously shoved food in their mouths. She had to do something. Mama stood and watched them, frowning at their antics. The soldiers had all turned their attention away from Lila. Pushing a few escaped strands of dark hair out of her face, her gaze fell on Luke’s pistol. He had laid it on the floor next to the tray of food and forgotten it! Slowly she inched over to the weapon and stood over it, allowing her full skirt to cover it. With her feet, she slid the gun across the wood floor. All the noise from the battle raging outside, and the excited voices of the soldiers hid the sound of metal scraping.

Once she maneuvered the pistol in front of the chair, she sat spreading her skirts carefully. Then she brushed unseen lint from her skirt and continued to brush it off lower and lower, keeping her eyes on the Rebs. Sliding a hand under her skirt, she came up with the gun.

“Hold it right there!” Lila screamed. “Drop the money, or I’ll shoot you, I swear I will!”

“Lila!” Mama gasped in surprise.

“Y’all don’t want to do this, Lila. Yo’ is just a little bit of a woman. Bet yo’ cain’t shoot that there gun no way,” Luke jeered at her.

Gritting her teeth and closing her eyes, Lila aimed the gun for the ceiling and pulled the trigger. The pistol bucked in her hand, and she staggered back, almost falling. Thank goodness it was already loaded!

The next thing she knew, the sound of coins raining down on the hard floor had her opening her eyes in time to see the Rebs running out of the front door, a trail of gold behind them.

 

 

Copyright 2009 Diane Wylie

 

Links to buy Lila’s Vow by Diane Wylie

 

Amazon.com

 

http://www.amazon.com/Lilas-Vow-Diane-Wylie/dp/0981989608/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243988881&sr=1-3

 

Barnes and Noble.com

 

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Lilas-Vow/Diane-Wylie/e/9780981989600/?itm=3

 

Lila’s Vow Booktrailer by Diane Wylie

From the moment he lays eyes on the dark-haired beauty standing on the porch of that Gettysburg home, Jack is entranced. He has always been a man to experience all of the joys that life has to give. But now, thrust into a horrific battle for his country and his life, the only joy to be found is in Lila’s arms. If only he survives…

Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, etc.

Lila’s Vow by Diane Wylie – An award-winning story

Lila’s Vow is a Civil War set historical romance that tells the story of Jack and Lila Montgomery, two ordinary people who get caught up in an extraordinary time in our nation’s history.

This is what some of the reviewers had to say about Lila’s Vow.

Lila’s Vow is an extremely well written novel, but beyond being well written, it is also a story that touches the heart and soul. Ms. Wylie does a wonderful job of weaving the characters’ stories and lives together. I also loved the fact that she brought the love between Jenny and David into this story, which flowed seamlessly from Jenny’s Passion to Lila’s Vow and gave the feeling that this really wasn’t two separate novels, but one incredible account of the lives of real people. The author didn’t leave out Lila’s mother either, and I loved it that she brought romance and marriage to a woman of an age I can really relate to!

Don’t miss this book! And Ms. Wylie, when is the next installment coming? Please tell me there is a third book on the way!

Rie McGaha

Rating: 5 roses

Romance Writers United

~*~*~*~

Diane Wylie describes an outstanding tale that has the reader feeling compassion for the characters. With the sudden destruction of lives and homes, along with the smell of blood in the air during the devastating war, she depicts an era that breathes life in the pages. One can feel the trepidation and sorrow, even when the soldiers storm into the people’s homes. Lila’s Vow is a story that moved me with its emotions and in-depth sensations. When I read about Jack and the Andersonville Prison, it reminded me of the time I visited and practically could feel those who had been slain there. This is one extraordinary story that comes highly recommended and should not be missed.

Cherokee
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/lilasvow.html

Winner of a Coffee Time Reviewers Recommend Award.

“This award recognizes outstanding writing styles in all book types and genres. Your book has received this award because I feel it is above and beyond a 5 Cup Rating.”

“An absolute wonderful book, completely awesome!!!”

~*~*~*~

Diana Wylie has a gift for taking the harsh realities of life in the Civil War and interweaving her characters into the fabric. The battle of Gettysburg, the horrors of Andersonville, the confederate submarine Hunley all become characters under Wylie’s hands. Lila and Jack’s story is compelling, but for me, as wonderful as the love story is, it almost becomes secondary to the history. The Jack’s capture and incarceration in Andersonville and Lila’s stint with the Pinkerton agency show Wylie’s grasp of the many levels of life and experience in this tumultuous time in our country. I particularly enjoyed this story’s exciting and unexpected climax.

Lila’s Vow is a standalone book that fits perfectly with Wylie’s book Jenny’s Passion. Lila and Jack’s story interweaves with Jenny and David’s, making the two books a perfect gift set. If you’re a fan of historical tales spiced with romance, Lila’s Vow is definitely worth picking up.

5 Books

http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/lilas-vow-by-diane-wylie.html

~*~*~*~

I hope you’ll take a look at Lila’s Vow, which is available at Amazon, B&N, and from Vinspire Publishing.

Thanks!

~Diane Wylie

http://www.dianewylie.com

Relationship DO’s and DON’Ts for 2012

To keep our relationships healthy and satisfying, we sometimes need to tweak old habits and attitudes. Check out the following list of tips and consider tucking a few into your New Year’s Resolutions for 2012.

1. DO commit to honesty in your relationships.

Love is a gift, but trust is earned. Honesty provides a solid foundation for building relationships and especially for rebuilding damaged ones. Honor yourself and others by telling the truth with gentleness and patience and an attitude of goodwill.

2. DON’T assume that you know what another person is thinking.

We like to think that we are mind readers, but only God knows a person’s heart. Many conflicts begin with wrong, negative guesses about others’ feelings and motives. Choose to assume the best about another person’s intentions and check your runaway assumptions before they get you into trouble.

3. DO pray for those who have offended you.

It is impossible to cling to both God and vengeful feelings at the same time. When we hold up our enemies to God in prayer, we open ourselves to having our minds and hearts changed. Decide to seek after a heart like Christ’s and ask God to show you a new way of seeing the person who hurt you.

4. DON’T torture yourself with guilt and regret.

We have all done careless or malicious things that we later regret. Remorse is harmful when it keeps us trapped in hopeless ruminations about mistakes we cannot change, but healthy remorse can motivate us to learn from our mistakes and change ourselves for the better. Practice surrendering your regrets to God, asking for forgiveness and trusting God’s promise to release you from guilt over wrongdoing.

5. DO good to those who have harmed you.

We live in a fallen world, and we frequently must decide how we will respond to the selfish, unjust, or even cruel acts of those around us. When we return evil for evil, we add darkness and misery to the world, but when we return good for evil, Christ’s light and goodness become visible in us. Make it your habit to act with love and self-control especially in situations where such graces are scarce and therefore greatly needed.

6. DON’T hide from your flaws.

No one is perfect, and quarrels can be painful precisely because they expose our weaknesses. Shame over our flaws compels us to hide them, but a healthy recognition that we are all flawed helps us to accept and forgive one another. Identify the flaws in others that especially bother you and be willing to acknowledge those same flaws in yourself.

7. DO speak carefully.

We all know how words can hurt, and we also know how gracious, respectful words can heal. Harsh words may linger in the mind and heart, sometimes for years, without losing their sting. Cultivate the habit of speaking in ways that encourage and build others up rather than attacking and tearing them down.

8. DON’T be too proud to admit when you’ve been wrong.

Pride can be dangerous when it forces us to live the lie of pretending to be better than we really are. On the other hand, relationships flourish when people feel safe enough to take off their masks and reveal to each other their true selves. Admit out loud when you have been wrong and then take it a step further and ask to be forgiven.

9. DO fix your gaze on Christ and not on your grievances.

Although we may enjoy telling ourselves and others the story of how we have been wronged, we cannot begin to recover until we get our focus off the injury and fix it on the Person of Christ. He suffered terrible injuries all for the sake of love and the desire to save us. Thank God for His gift of Jesus in your life and ask Him for the love and grace you need to forgive those who have injured you.

10. DON’T try to repair a damaged relationship without God’s help.

Forgiving others is a sacred task. God Himself created us for relationship and gave us forgiveness to help us through the difficulties of living among sinful, imperfect people. Ask God to teach you about mercy and the peace that comes from releasing your pain and bitter feelings.

 

Adapted from A Devotional Walk with Forgiveness by Judith Ingram.

www.judithingram.com

 

available from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Devotional-Walk-Forgiveness-Judith-Ingram/dp/0983419825/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313260124&sr=1-2

 

available from Amazon for Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/Devotional-Walk-Forgiveness-ebook/dp/B005HJYS2A/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1313260124&sr=1-2

 

available from Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-devotional-walk-with-forgiveness-judith-ingram/1104760651?ean=9780983419822&itm=1&usri=judith+ingram

Fan Into Flame Your Writing Gift

If you consider yourself to be a writer, then you are likely gifted in two ways: You see visions and you feel motivated to share those visions with others.

The 16th-century artist Michelangelo once wrote: “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, your gift as a writer is to see the angel in the marble and then to search for just the right words to help others to see what you see.

By “fanning your gift into flame,” I mean to recognize and value your specialness as a writer and to diligently pursue the course that your gift lays out for you. I suggest four principles to help you do this:

1. Know Who You Are. Before you sit down to write, work up a character profile on yourself. Force yourself to think about the difficult issues:

• What do you really believe? What doubts do you have?
• What are you angry about? What are you afraid of?
• If you were in charge of the universe, what are the first three things you would change?
• What sort of people do you dislike and why?
• What is your favorite kind of book to read when no one is looking? Would you like to write a book like that?
• What questions do you long to have answered? Chances are your readers are looking for answers to those same questions.

2. Use Your Own Voice.  Now that you know who you are, write out of who you are. Ask yourself, what especially qualifies you to write about this? Consider your personal history—traumas, problems you’ve overcome or felt defeated by, external forces that have shaped you, perhaps a teacher, an abusive parent, or a loving neighbor. What makes your perspective fresh and different? This quality is important not only for marketing but because it gives your voice authenticity and authority. When others see what you see, they will take it seriously. They will believe you.

3. Find Joy In Your Writing.  Like the Eric Liddell character in the movie Chariots of Fire, write for the sheer pleasure of doing something that you feel you were created to do. Enjoy your giftedness! If writing is not a joyful experience for you, perhaps you are not yet writing out of your own truth, or perhaps the genre you’ve chosen is not a good fit for you right now. Explore and experiment until you find that “sweet spot” of writing for sheer pleasure. Authentic joy in your work gives you emotional confidence. It also infuses your writing with energy that will resonate with your readers.

4. Stand Behind Your Work.  Believe in your work! If you have applied yourself to Principles 1, 2 & 3, then you can trust that you have produced a work of integrity, which will give you confidence to speak about yourself and your work without apology. Writing with integrity also changes your definition of success. If you have written with authenticity, the authority of your own truth, and the joy of exercising your gift, then you can count yourself successful even before the first copy of your book is sold and without comparing yourself to other authors and their successes.

As a final note, don’t take it personally if people don’t like what you’ve written. People respond out of their own needs, and you cannot control their reactions to what you write. Commit to writing from your heart and then stand behind your work. Be willing to talk about it, blog about it, promote it. Boldly offer your vision to the world in a voice that only you can speak.

*This article was taken from a speech given to the California Writers Club on 12/10/11. For the complete speech, please visit www.judithingram.com/links.

www.judithingram.com/links

www.judithingram.com/links

Moonlight and Illusions Book Trailer

When Illusionist, Stephen Elliott, receives an ancient Mayan stone, sleight of hand brings real power and moonlight is the key to life itself.

Unfinished

Dee will be interviewing and hosting a blog tour for Suzanne Gravelle. Suzanne’s recently published book ‘Unfinished’ is a true story about how she dealt with a major crisis in her life.  An interview not to be missed!

 Starting December 14th ending on December 21st 

Come on over to http://bookread-mumswritings.blogspot.com to read more about Suzanne and her story, ask questions, discuss and enjoy!

Do not miss Author interviews and book discussions to come.

In Mysterious Ways

When I write a story, often without realizing it, I find a recurring message embedded in the plot. What if you get what you really wish for? As I look back on my own life, I suppose I have been granted enough of what I wanted to hurt myself with. We never seem to see the downside of getting what we want but there always seems to be one…sometimes more than one. Sometimes things happen as a result of not taking any risks at all and yet if we blindly jump at a target without thinking it through there can be a hefty price to pay, emotionally, financially or physically. It’s easy and fun to think how life would be if all our desires were granted but I have just as much fun fantasizing about the things that could go terribly wrong. Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.

Amazon Launch of Warring Spirits!

There’s a party going on!!

Vinspire author April W Gardner is celebrating the release of Warring Spirits, the second book in her Creek Country Saga! Purchase Warring Spirits on Amazon today, Thursday, December 15^th to receive a free gift from the author. There’s also six drawings being held for a total of 15 cool and unique prizes!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

The gift is a personalized, signed book plates (labels for the inside cover). One for every book you purchase. Order today and cross a few names off your Christmas list!

So what’s this book all about? Warring Spirits is the sequel to Wounded Spirits, April’s Grace Award winning debut novel. Here’s a bit about today’s featured novel:

Where blood is spilt, unexpected love may bloom.

In 1816 Georgia, escaped slaves control the land just beyond the American border in Las Floridas. Lost somewhere between white and black worlds, Milly follows hope to the only place that can offer her refuge—the place Georgians are calling Negro Fort. The first, sweet taste of freedom convinces Milly that surrender is not an option. Death would be more welcome.

Major Phillip Bailey has orders to subdue the uprising and return the runaways to their masters. Forced to fight alongside Creek warriors—the same who etched the scars into his mind and flesh—Phillip primes himself for battle.  But inside, a war already rages—return for the woman he thought lost to him or concede her to the enemy she loves; follow orders or follow his heart.

Sound intriguing? Head over to April’s place to learn more! Or go straight to Amazon to get your copy.